Reaching parts where other aerators can't at Kingsbarns Golf Links

04 Mar 2016

Very few can claim to have tamed the notorious 9th green of Kingsbarns Golf Links in Fife but step forward Wiedenmann’s Terra Spike GXi8 HD aerator.

After taking delivery of the deep tine machine in December, the
team at the Worldwide Top 100 ranked course immediately set
about spiking greens, tees, fairways and approaches as well
as coring a few specific test areas to get the measure of their new
kit. Soon they were sufficiently relaxed to take it up the steep
banking of the ninth with its infamous middle shelf.

"Until now the severity of the slope on the
9th green has meant it has been somewhere to avoid
with an aerator. However the Wiedenmann has superior weight
distribution letting the tractor power it easily. With
5mm tines it takes it really well. We're also finding it is
twice as quick as our previous aerator. Particularly on the
approaches using 20 mm tines it is smooth and fast. Again it's the
closeness to the tractor that appears to make the difference and
it's safe for the person on board.

"Overall I'd say this is the best generation of aerators; it's
faster; it's smooth and it's easy to operate and adjust."

"Innes and his team have pinpointed the key design
features. All moving parts of the system like
springs and heave linkages are positioned behind covers at the
front of the machine away from the workings and 'dirt area'. Wear
and tear is reduced and the covers help quieten the machine.
The centre of gravity being closer to the tractor makes it
exceptionally stable. The tines on the GXi machines are
nearer to the front roller ensuring a uniform job as the spiking
action is exceptionally precise and accurate. Constant
hole-spacing is maintained even at high fast forward speed so when
following the contours of the ground the quality of work does not
falter."

Kingsbarns co-hosts the annual European Tour's Alfred Dunhill
Links Championship together with the Old Course at St Andrews and
Carnoustie Golf Links. In 2017 The Ricoh Women's British Open will
be contested at Kingsbarns.